Recently, in this month of July, we celebrated the fourth. It is a blessed time to celebrate the birth of our nation, lights in the sky with fireworks, booming sounds, which is the sound of freedom, and with parades, and communal meals and gatherings, with proud display of the American Flag. They are outwards expression of joy, blessings and gratitude. We give thanks for the gift and values of our nation, and the ideal for each individual to have life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We are blessed to have the gift of freedom, especially the liberty to practice our faith. Throughout the world, many people don't have that luxury, for instance in China, where they had to practice their faith secretly, or undreground. Or in territories where Christianity is a minority, and many experience hardships and persecutions just for being a Christian. As we think about the people who experience hardships for their faith, and what the early Christians had to endure for proclaiming Christ as the risen Lord. May we always be grateful, that we are blessed to live in this wonderful nation, that we don't experience those kinds of persecutions for following Christ and proclaiming Christ. That we can go to Church and pray with little worry that our life will be in danger. We can pray in public with little worry, confident that we are safe and protected. If something were to happen, there will always be some form of justice. Many of us may not have been born here, but America is a place that we call home. As we are blessed, may we always be grateful, and at the same time, may we pray and help those who are searching for a better life for themselves and their family. That those who seek a new home, where they could freely worship God, and where they can feel safe and protected while doing so.